FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the current foreign exchange travel allowances?
South African residents older than 18 years of age can take R1,000,000.00 per calendar year. Persons under 18 years of age can take R200,000.00 per calendar year. These limits include travel, gifts, donations to missionaries and study allowances.
How soon can I purchase foreign exchange?
Foreign exchange can only be purchased 60 days before departure
May one keep unused foreign exchange for further trips?
No, according to exchange control under instruction from the South African Reserve Bank, all unused foreign currency must be returned to an authorized dealer within 30 days of your return to the Republic for regular business travelers within 90 days from return of travel.
Can one buy forex when travelling to Namibia, Swaziland or Lesotho?
No. These countries form part of the common monetary area. In this area, South African Rand is used and accepted.
How much Rand can one take travelling to the common monetary area?
There is no limit on the amount of ZAR that one can take when travelling to Namibia, Swaziland or Lesotho
Can I travel outside the common monetary area with ZAR cash?
Yes. One cannot take ZAR in excess of R25, 000.00 in cash when travelling outside this area.
In what format can one take foreign exchange for travel?
Foreign exchange can be taken in foreign cash, cash passport card and drafts
What is a cash passport card? Where can the cash passport card be used?
It is prepaid card that works on the same principle as a debit card. It is preloaded with currency at the time of purchase and can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted.
Where can the cash passport card be used?
Anywhere MasterCard is accepted, either to draw money from a MasterCard accepting ATM or to pay for goods and services at merchants where MasterCard is accepted.
Can I use my cash passport card in South Africa?
No. The card can only be used outside the borders of the CMA where MasterCard is accepted